Staff Scientist I

CCIR is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist I to lead bench-based studies focused on RNA splicing in pediatric brain tumors. The successful candidate will work closely with bioinformatics scientists in the Rokita Lab to functionally characterize splice isoforms and their effects on tumor biology using techniques including morpholino knockdown, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq), drug screening, and/or protein degradation assays. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in standard molecular biology techniques such as qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, molecular cloning, cell culture, and cell phenotype assays. This position will be embedded within two rich scientific environments-the translational Rood Lab and the computationally-focused Rokita Lab, providing unique exposure to multi-omic research projects and state-of-the-art experimental and computational techniques.

The Staff Scientist I is a junior career research position that reports to the principal investigator. The Staff Scientist I conducts research of significant scientific value in the basic or translational sciences and brings specialized skills, knowledge and experience to research programs or core laboratories. This position performs a variety of laboratory research, education and management tasks, including training technical staff, students, fellows and physicians in laboratory procedures and assisting the principal investigator in writing grant applications and publications.

Minimum Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Required) Or
Medical Doctor (M.D.) (Required) Or
Master's Degree MS degree with 3 years of relevant work experience (Required)

Minimum Work Experience
At least two to four years of progressive specialized post-doctoral experience. (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Next-Generation sequencing, bioinformatics, molecular genetics.

Functional Accountabilities
Responsible Conduct of Research

• Consistently demonstrates adherence to the standards for the responsible conduct of research.

• Plans, conducts and manages research projects within federal and institutional regulations and policies under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Uses research funds and resources appropriately.

• Maintains confidentiality of data as required.

• Meets all annual job-related training and compliance requirements.

Research

• Conducts research and development of new next generation sequencing clinical assays.

• Uses accepted methods and techniques, solves well-defined problems and performs specific and limited portions of broader projects under the technical guidance of the principal investigator and the senior staff scientist.

• Conducts experiments in the laboratory that include developing new methods, taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling and processing data, and analyzing results.

• Assists with data analysis and management.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Uses accepted methods and techniques, solves well-defined problems and performs specific and limited portions of broader projects under the technical guidance of the principal investigator and the senior staff scientist.

• Conducts experiments in the laboratory that include developing new methods, taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling and processing data, and analyzing results.

• Conducts research and development of new next generation sequencing clinical assays.

• Assists with data analysis and management.
• Interacts in a collaborative manner with other team members to accomplish organizational goals and may provide ideas to improve efficiency at group level; networks primarily within own technical peer group.
• Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

• Partner with all team members to achieve goals

• Receptive to others' ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

• Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently

• Search for less costly ways of doing things

Safety

• Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance

• Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation

• Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation

• Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication

• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers

• Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance